There is so much to see and do on Long Island when it comes to having fun, but parents raising teens during the pandemic have been extremely skeptical when it comes to celebrating their child’s big day in a fun and safe way. I have a different reality.
Luckily, there are still some socially distant activities and things you can do at home to make your teen birthday extra special.
fun game
Let’s take a look inside GameTruck Long Island, a mobile service featuring the current system and games that park outside the client’s home. Credit: David Schwartz
GameTruck Long Island: this mobile truck brings some of the latest gaming systems into your home. The truck features favorites from PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and more, and can be rented for private parties starting at $349 for 90 minutes. He can only have 10 people on the truck at a time (ages 6+) and will be sanitized after each use. Fortnite parties are popular with teens right now, and outdoor laser tag is also a popular option. Prices range from $349 to $599. To request a quote or book, please visit our website. (888-602-4263; gametruckparty.com)
One of the bowling lanes at All Star in Riverhead. Some changes have been made to ensure the experience here is safe and compliant with his COVID. Credit: Chris Keller
All-Star: A bowling alley and arcade all in one, this Riverhead spot is perfect for small groups. It is a complete reservation system (up to 6 people for 90 minutes), and each party is separated by a partition. Rental shoes and bowling balls will be disinfected with UV light between uses. All American Grill food and drinks are available for purchase. (96 Main Rd., Riverhead; 631-998-3565, theallstar.com)
Guests at The Adventure Park at Wheatley Heights navigate an above-ground trail using platforms, ropes, and ziplines. Credits: Outdoor Venture Adventure Park
Adventure park: The park is reopening just in time for spring (March 26). The season includes three new trails, bringing the park to a total of 14 trails and 26 ziplines. On Saturday nights, the “Glow in the Park” event is held with LED lighting and music after dark. General admission is $64, last-hour ‘Last Call’ tickets are $48, and Glow in the Park is $54. (75 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights, 631-983-3844, myadventurepark.com)
rent a movie theater
Henry Stampfel, who owns Bellmore Movies & The Showplace with his wife Anne, has put up barriers to socially distance his audience inside the theater. Credit: Jeff Bachner
Malvern Cinema and Art Center: Teens can still go to the movies, but parents who want more control over such activities should consider private rentals. Party starting prices are based on an anticipated minimum of 12 guests, with a starting ticket fee of $11 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $9 for children under 12, plus a flat rate private usage fee of $50 pay the An optional small popcorn and soda combo is also available for $3 per person. Other discounts are also available. (350 Hempstead Avenue, 516-599-6966, malvernecinema.com)
Belmore Film and Showplace: This location offers the same deal as the Malverne Cinema. Neither can currently offer the latest Hollywood movies, but guests can view his DVD and Blu-ray disc movies. Management has told us to contact them for all kinds of presentations so they can try different gatherings. must adhere to state COVID guidelines, including social distancing. (222 Pettit Ave.; 516-783-7200, bellmoremovie.com)
Island 16 Cinema de Luxe in Holtsville. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Showcase Cinema: See private screenings in Farmingdale (1001 Broadhollow Road), Hicksville (955 Broadway Mall) and Holtsville (185 Morris Ave). The theater can be rented out for up to 20 people. Watch new releases for a starting price of $199 and older movies for $99. Guests can purchase discount packages exclusive to private screenings, including $8 for 85 ounces of popcorn and 21 ounces of soft drinks, $5 for personal pizzas, and $8 for children’s ‘1-2-3 Go Boxes’ . (800-315-4000, showcasecinemas.com)
spa day
Introducing the facilities of Frasada Salon and Day Spa in Oceanside. The spa offers facials, massages, manicures, and blowouts during private teen gatherings. Credits: John D | photographyinstyle@gmail.com
Frasada salon and day spa: Plan a custom party for teens with facials, massages, manicures, blowouts and more. Prices start at $75 per person for manicure, express pedicure, and blowout packages. A package that includes a massage and facial is $225 per person. Please limit your party to 8 people or less. (2785 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, 516-766-7076, frasada.com)
Heavily Spoiled Salon and Spa: The ‘Ultimate Day of Decadence’ package ($129.95 per participant) includes deluxe service and a sit-down lunch. Another package for group birthdays is the “High Maintenance” ($65.95 each) which includes a manicure, pedicure, glitter makeover, chocolate facial and more. (687 Old Country Rd., Dix Hills; 631-923-2300, Seriously Damaged Salon and Spa.com)
arts & crafts
A group of customers creating spin art at Casa de Spin in Massapequa. Credit: Sue Wilkowski
Casa De Spin: Groups of 6 to 10 people can rent the SpinArt studio for 90-minute sessions ($35 per person), allowing participants to paint on a 16″ x 20″ canvas. Each session includes a live technique demonstration presented on the big screen. (Massapequa, 81 Grand Ave, 516-654-7746, casadespin.com)
A group of customers at the ARTrageous Paint Your Own Pottery Studio in Rockville Center pose with their work. Parents looking to bring their teen to the venue can book a private her party room or book a table in her main studio (all tables are her 6ft away). Credit: Artrageous!
ART Ridiculous: This painted pottery studio now has a private party room that can accommodate 12 people at no extra charge. Groups of 4-10 can reserve tables in the main studio (all tables are 6 feet apart). Teens can choose bowls, mugs, plates, trinket boxes, or succulent plant pots. All materials, tables and chairs will be sanitized between seats. Pottery prices start at $15. Once guests have completed their artwork, it is left to be glazed (items will be ready for pick-up in approximately two weeks). (5 North Village Ave., Rockville Center, 516-255-5255, artrageousrvc.com)
cooking
Spinach artichoke wontons are one of the highlights of All American Wontons in Massapequa. Credit: Kendall Rodriguez
All-American Wontons: Get a kit with fillings and wonton skins so your teens can make their own wontons at home. Kits start at a minimum purchase of $35 (10 wrappers and 3 filling flavors) and include Buffalo Chicken, Jalapeno Poppers, Vegan Nachos, Bacon Mac and Cheese, Spinach Artichokes, Philly Cheesesteak, and Banana Nutella. It is included. Another stay-at-home option is having an All-American food truck come to your door. Truck rental is $350. (830 N. Broadway, North Massapequa; 516-730-8070, allamericanwontons.com)
This DIY pizza kit is one of the food making options available through Marciano’s pizza truck “Dough to Door Pizza” service. Credit: Marciano’s Pizza Truck
Marciano’s Pizza Truck: For DIY pizza options, try our “Dough to Door Pizza” service, which delivers homemade dough, sauces and Neapolitan pizza kits to your guests via contactless delivery. Long Island residents living 25 miles east or west of the company’s Huntington Village location can place orders online (if ordering outside that radius, call to schedule a delivery date). There is a need to). The kit also comes with a costumed chef’s hat to help the cook feel like a pizza pro. We also offer sets for making Nutella s’more dessert pizzas and sfogliatelle pastries. (631-960-1271; dotodoorpizza.com)
to escape
Epic Escape Room Long Island: Reservations are required for groups of 3 to 10 guests. The escape game is $30 per person for him. Private party rooms are also available from $175 per hour. (357 Hempstead Tpke., West Hempstead; 516-427-5977, epicescaperoomsli.com)
Escape room game LI. This escape room is open to private bookings and small groups only. The fee is $35 per person Sunday through Thursday. There is a minimum charge of $120 on Fridays and Saturdays. (718 Portion Rd., Ronkonkoma; 70 Horseblock Rd., Brookhaven; 631-974-6988; escapegameli.com)
roller & ice skating
A United Skates roller skater hosting a birthday party. Credit: Andrew Theodorakis
United Skate of America: The rink hosts parties for those who want to skate on Saturday (noon to 2:30pm and 3pm to 5pm) and Sunday (noon to 2pm and 2:30pm to 4:30pm). is held. Party Package includes “Glow in the Dark” event (cheese pizza slice, unlimited drinks, LED flashing cups, LED necklace, glowing necklace for each guest. $29.95 per person), “Ultimate” (2 sliced cheese). Pizza, unlimited drinks, light rope necklace, party favor bag; $24.95 per person) and “Classic” (1 slice of cheese pizza, unlimited drinks; $19.95 per person). Air purifiers are installed in all air ducts in the building, masks are mandatory, and social distancing is required. (1276 Hicksville Rd., Seaford; 516-795-5474, unitedskates.com)
Located at Harbourfront Park in Port Jefferson Village, the rinks provide a place for skaters to glide while the sun sets over the adjacent waterfront. Credit: Tom Palamara
ice skate: If your teens want to skate on the ice, there are still many rinks open during the season with reduced capacity.
